Telegram restores message edit feature after NEET re-exam curbs end

Telegram has reinstated its message editing feature for users across India after a temporary restriction imposed during the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-UG re-examination expired on June 30.The editing function, which allows users to modify messages after sending them, had been disabled as part of measures introduced to curb the circulation of misleading information and prevent misuse of the platform during the re-examination process.The restriction was introduced on June 16 following a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA), after the original NEET-UG examination was affected by a paper leak controversy. Although access to Telegram was restored on June 22, a day after the re-examination, the platform was required to keep its message editing feature disabled until the end of June.Authorities had argued that the feature could be exploited to alter previously sent messages and present them as evidence that leaked question papers had been shared before the examination. The temporary measure was intended to prevent the manipulation of older posts and limit the spread of false claims linked to the exam.With the re-examination completed and the restriction period over, Telegram users can once again edit messages in their chats as usual.On June 23, the Delhi High Court upheld the Centre's decision to temporarily restrict Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination. The court observed that the measure was reasonable, noting that Telegram's ability to rapidly distribute large volumes of content could be misused to circulate leaked examination material or misinformation.The High Court also referred to Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, under which the Centre can block access to online content in specified circumstances. During the proceedings, the government told the court that Telegram had allegedly been used to circulate fake examination-related information, purported question papers and other unlawful content connected with the examination. It also said the platform's cloud-based infrastructure enabled large-scale storage and sharing of such material.